Drawing on the backs of envelopes

which contain business

we should be dealing with

but

since we’re here

the issue is the transfer

of the method of making

a sailmaker’s whipping

from 3 strand cordage to

multiplait polyester.

The thread is waxed with finger-ends.

You get a grip on

the flat of the needle.

Did you know that the Breasclete smith

who took iron out to

the construction of

Flannan Isles light

made his own needle

when they were stranded

so the men could keep

their arses in their trousers?